A LEGENDARY CAREER

From his early days playing rock 'n' roll in bands around Chicago's North Shore suburbs and sitting in with blues legends on the city's South Side, to his fiery 18 months with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, to the creation of the Electric Flag, his innovative brass-fusion band, and his "Super Session" success, Michael Bloomfield had a career that was second to none. Here is a chronology of his musical collaborations, performances and recording sessions.

CHRONOLOGY

Mike Bloomfield tunes up during his first Columbia recording session in 1964. Mike Shea photo

1968-69

Bloomfield solos during an Electric Flag appearance at the San Jose Pop Festival in May 1968. Jeffrey Blankfort photo1968

“Grape Jam” was included as a premium with Moby Grape’s “Wow.” Al Kooper, who plays piano on another title on the recording, was inspired by “Grape Jam” to record “Super Session.”

*JIMI HENDRIX

Scene Club, New York, NY; February 20, 1968

Unknown titles Live performance

Flag members who sat in with Hendrix during this performance probably included Buddy Miles, but Bloomfield may have performed as well. He was producing the following James Cotton recording in New York on February 20.

Bloomfield is credited with providing “advice and enthusiasm” on this John Court-produced session. He also plays organ on “Fallin’ Rain” and rhythm guitar on the other two titles.

*JAM SESSION

Private loft, New York, NY; February 20, 1968(?)

Unknown titles Jam session

Singer Buzzy Linhart recalled this session as occurring sometime in 1967 or ’68. As Clapton and Bruce were in town for the start of Cream’s second American tour, the Experience was on a one-day New York layover before going to Philadelphia, and Bloomfield was working with James Cotton, all on February 20, that seems like a likely date for this momentous meeting. Linhart stated that the loft, which may have been his, was a “spot where visiting bands scored from” and was consequently the site of numerous impromptu music sessions.

*THE ELECTRIC FLAG

Anderson Theater, New York, NY; February 23, 24, 1968

Unknown titles Live performances

John Ivey reports that a friend attended this concert which was headlined by Country Joe & the Fish, primarily to see Joe do the "Fish Cheer." The friend was amazed by Bloomfield and the Flag, and recalled that they started the show with a tape of the Lyndon Johnson speech that starts "Killing Floor" from their soon-to-be-released album, "A Long Time Comin'."

AL KOOPER’S rock band with horns, Blood, Sweat & Tears, releases “Child Is Father to the Man” in February 1968. Another rock/horn band, the Chicago Transit Authority, will not issue its debut recording until April 1969.

Personnel as February 23.

Second Fret, Philadelphia, PA; February 27-29, 1968

Unknown titles Live performance

Personnel as February 23.

The Trauma, Philadelphia, PA; March 1, 2, 1968

Hey Joe Bootleg recording

Higher & Higher

Drivin’ Wheel

Other unknown titles

This performance is listed by some as having taken place at the Electric Factory, but photos of the band taken by Ron Karr show the club to have been a much smaller venue. Karr confirms that the club was a place called The Trauma, and an ad in Philadelphia's underground newspaper, "Different Drummer," lists the shows at that venue on the dates above. Paul Lerman, who saw this set, also agrees that it was at The Trauma.

Personnel as February 23.

Cafe Au Go Go, New York, NY; March 7-17, 1968

Hey Joe(?) Live performances

Uptight(?)

Other unknown titles

Jimi Hendrix, Paul Butterfield and Elvin Bishop jammed with members of the Flag at the Cafe Au Go Go on March 17; Bloomfield apparently did not participate. An ad in the Village Voice for this appearance touts the Flag’s “soon to be released” Columbia recording with a version of the album’s cover that omits the female model.

*MURRAY “THE K”

Murray Kaufman, int; Michael Bloomfield, v.

WOR Studios, New York, NY; March(?) 1968

Interview Radio broadcast

Bloomfield was reportedly interviewed by Murray “the K” on his radio program at this time. Bloomfield raved about Blood, Sweat and Tears and played selections from the Flag's soon-to-be released LP..

*THE ELECTRIC FLAG

Unknown venue, Detroit, MI; March 19(?), 1968

During their stay in Detroit, probably on the weekend of March 19, the Flag was robbed by two gunman (drug dealers according to Albert Grossman) who took Peter Strazza hostage after stealing his watch. They then tied up Stemzie Hunter and Herbie Rich and took their clothes and money, but were unable to rouse Buddy Miles and Bloomfield who slept through the whole affair in an adjacent room in the motel. Grossman had to wire them funds so the band could travel on to its remaining tour gigs and then fly home.

Personnel as above.

NARM Convention, Hotel Diplomat, Hollywood, FL; March 20, 1968

Unknown titles Live performance

According to Billboard, the Flag was to appear at this record industry convention on the night Columbia hosted a dinner party. Despite the previous day’s robbery, the Flag did perform as confirmed by Clive Davis in his autobiography. Also on the bill were Anita Bryant and Johnny Mathis.

Personnel as above.

Fine Arts Center, Nazareth College, Rochester, NY; March 23, 1968

Unknown titles Live performance

A contract for this show exists and indicates that the band was paid $2,000 for a two-set performance. Thanks to Kim Rush for this information.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/JAMES COTTON BLUES BAND

Universal Studios, Chicago, IL; March 29, 1968

Smokestack Lightning Demo recording

Bo Diddley

Everything’s Gonna Work Out Fine

Tequila

Back Door Man

Messing with the Kid

Got My Mojo Working

Methedrine Blues

This recording, a reel in Norman Dayron’s archive, was given to Dayron by Bloomfield and is marked as a Grossman/Court production. Dayron believes it was recorded by Bloomfield as a demo of tunes that Cotton might want to use for his Verve recording session later that year. He thinks Albert Grossman probably paid for the session as Universal was the most expensive studio in Chicago at the time. “Methedrine” is a Bloomfield original. Thanks to Norman Dayron for this information.

*THE ELECTRIC FLAG

Unknown TV studios, Los Angeles(?), CA; Aired March 30, 1968

Unknown titles TV broadcast

According to the Chicago Tribune TV listings, the Flag made an appearance on the John Gary Show on this date; it was probably recorded at an earlier time. The show was also rebroadcast on June 2, 1968.

Personnel as above.

Cheetah, Venice, CA; March 31, April 1, 1968

Unknown titles Live performances

Personnel as March 31.

Cheetah(?), Venice, CA; Spring 1968(?)

Drivin' Wheel (fragment)

It's About Time

I've Been Loving You Too Long (fragment)

Although the sound on this recording is extremely distorted, the solos are clearly audible. It features a version of Gravenites' "It's About Time" that is unlike any other, and is the only performance of the tune by the Flag that has been discovered. The basis for Bloomfield's "East-West," "It's About Time" is treated here like the funky cousin of the PBBB tune with an extended and extraordinary solo from Bloomfield and a remarkable duet with Herbie Rich.

Personnel as March 31.

Winterland Auditorium, San Francisco, CA; April 3, 1968

Unknown titles Live performance

Personnel as March 31.

Earl Warren Show Grounds, Santa Barbara, CA; April 6, 1968

Unknown titles Live performance

BLOOMFIELD was interviewed in late February 1968 for a two-part article that appears in the April 6 and 27, 1968 issues of Rolling Stone. He is outspoken on race and music, blues and rock and roll, critical of the San Francisco music scene, and is hailed as “one of the handful of the world’s finest guitarists.”

Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA; April 11, 1968

Unknown titles Live performance

This show was part of a nine-day fair hosted by Teen Time U.S.A. Along with music performances, there was a teen battle-of-the-bands hosted by Fender and a teen beauty pageant.

Personnel as April 11.

Shrine Exposition Hall, Los Angeles, CA; April 12, 13, 1968

Unknown titles Live performances

*BLOOMFIELD/BROOKS/MILES

Michael Bloomfield, g; Harvey Brooks, b; Buddy Miles, d, v.

Tapias Park, Malibu, CA; April 14, 1968

Unknown titles Live performance

Though they were described as the Electric Flag, this trio was unlisted in promotional material and appears to have included only Bloomfield, Brooks and Miles. The event was a “love-in” called the Chauli Festival in a park near Malibu. Brief silent film footage of the group exists.

Carousel Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; April 21, 1968

Uptight/Daytripper Bootleg CD

Drivin' Wheel

The Theme

Goin' Down Slow

Other unknown titles

René Aagaard reports that these titles come from a Carousel tape that has singer Erma Franklin recorded over a large portion of the Flag’s material. He speculates for that reason this Flag performance must have come from April 21 or earlier, a date that Franklin performed at the venue. Other sources say that the Flag guested on this Sunday show and that Flag members performed as part of Franklin’s band; aural evidence suggests that this is true. Marc Skobac has the dates as April 19-21 and the location as the Avalon Ballroom. “The Theme” is a variation on the Miles Davis composition and features baritone player Gonsalves and a second trumpet player (Doubleday takes the first solo).

Personnel as April 12.

Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA; April 25, 1968

Uptight(?) Live performance

Other unknown titles

Frank Macias reported seeing the Electric Flag at the Fillmore around this time perform a Stevie Wonder tune he believed to be “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours.” That song, however, was released by Wonder in 1970, so the band must have played a different Wonder composition, perhaps “Uptight.”

Personnel as April 12.

Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; April 26, 27, 1968

Unknown titles Live performances

Albert King was also on the roster for this performance.

Personnel as April 12.

Folk Music Festival, San Francisco State College, San Francisco, CA; April 28, 1968

It Takes Time(?) Live performance

Rock Me Baby(?)

Higher and Higher

Wine

Other unknown titles

Bloomfield later told interviewer Tom Yates that this festival concert was one of the Flag's best live performances. "I wish our record had been as good as that show," he said.

Personnel as April 28.

San Diego State University, San Diego, CA; May 3, 1968

Unknown titles Live performance

A poster for this performance only lists Michael Bloomfield and does not mention the Electric Flag, but an fan who attended the show said it was indeed a Flag performance, and a handbill for the show collected by Peggy McVickar confirms that the Flag was there.

Cheetah, Venice, CA; May 10, 11, 1968

Unknown titles Live performances

Personnel as May 10.

Whisky A-Go Go, Los Angeles, CA; May 10-16, 1968

Unknown titles Live performances

Advertisements indicate that the Flag played both the Cheetah and the Whisky on May 10 and 11. Christopher Hjort reports that Eric Clapton caught the Flag’s set at the Cheetah on May 10.

Personnel as May 10.

Pops Festival '68, College of San Mateo, San Mateo, CA; May 12, 1968

Unknown titles Live performances

IN AN INTERVIEW published in the May 11, 1968 issue of Rolling Stone, Eric Clapton cites two major influences on himself as a person – Bob Dylan and Michael Bloomfield. He says Bloomfield’s “way of thinking really shocked me the first time I met him and spoke to him. I never met anyone with so many strong convictions.” In the same issue, columnist Ralph Gleason takes Bloomfield to task for statements made during Michael’s recent interview in the magazine and for trying to be a "spade." The column is entitled “Stop This Shuck, Michael Bloomfield.”

*BARRY GOLDBERG & FRIENDS

Los Angeles, CA; Spring 1968

That’s Alright, Mama “Two Jews Blues,” Buddah BDS 5029

Maxwell Street Shuffle

Blues for Barry and ... (Dedicated to Big John’s)

Jimi the Fox (Dedicated to Jimi Hendrix)

Bloomfield does not play on the other titles on this session. He is listed only as “The Great” on the original release. The album came out the winter/spring of 1969. "Blues for Barry and ..." features Bloomfield, Goldberg, Hood and Hoh in a quartet performance reminiscent of the Super Session date. "Maxwell" features Musselwhite and fades on Bloomfield's solo. "Jimi the Fox" is a dedication to Jimi Hendrix.

*THE ELECTRIC FLAG

Santa Clara Pop Festival, San Jose, CA; May 18, 1968

Soul Searchin' Bootleg CD

Groovin' Is Easy

Hey Joe

Sweet Home Chicago

Killing Floor

Texas/Another Country

Wine

These titles were recorded by an audience member and probably comprise the Flag’s complete set though “Texas” and “Another Country” are incomplete. Bloomfield dedicates "Hey Joe" to "Jimi the Fox," a reference again to Hendrix. “Soul Searchin’” is mislabeled as “Soul Survivor” on some issues.

Personnel as May 18.

Carousel Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; May 17-19, 1968

Soul Searchin’ “San Francisco, 1968,” Bootleg CD

Milk Cow Blues

I’d Rather Drink Muddy Water

Groovin’ Is Easy

Untitled Instrumental #1

Untitled Instrumental #2

Texas

Hey Joe

It Takes Time

I’ve Been Loving You

Another Country/Ain’t No Doctor

Don’t You Lie to Me

Soul Searchin’

“Another Country” fades after the tune’s free passage begins. “Ain’t No Doctor” is actually a partial version of “Goin’ Down Slow.” This two-part show took place on May 18 and must have followed the Flag’s 3 p.m. appearance at the Santa Clara Pop Festival. Bloomfield was apparently late getting to the Carousel after the San Jose gig and arrived on stage in the middle of the early show version of “Soul Searchin’.” He attempted a solo but gave up due to his guitar being out of tune; a lengthy tune-up session followed. Additional horns seem to be present on the late show version of “Soul Searchin.’”

Selland Arena, Fresno, CA; May 25, 1968

Unknown titles Live performance

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER

Los Angeles, CA; May 28, 1968

Albert’s Shuffle* “Super Session,” Columbia CS-9701

Stop*

Man’s Temptation*

His Holy Modal Majesty

Really

Blues for Nothing “Super Session,” Columbia CK-64611

Bloomfield left this session after the first day and only 6 hours in the studio due to a severe case of insomnia. Horns arranged by Joe Scott were added by Kooper to these titles (*) in the studio at a later date. “Blues for Nothing” is an alternate take of “Albert’s Shuffle" without horns. “Super Session” was released in late August 1968 and climbed to No. 12 on Billboard’s pop charts.

Whether Bloomfield appeared with the band at this show is unknown. He reportedly returned to San Francisco after his breakdown following the “Super Session” date, so it is likely he did not perform.

*THE ELECTRIC FLAG

The Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA; May 31-June 2, 1968

Unknown titles Live performances(?)

These shows were listed in an Electric Factory ad in "Different Drummer," but because the Flag was given second billing behind Woody's Truck Stop, a local band, their appearance was probably tentative. It is likely that they did not appear, or if they did, Bloomfield did not perform with them.

Personnel as May 31.

Psychedelic Supermarket, Boston, MA; June 3-6, 1968

Unknown titles Live performances

Thanks to Bruno Ceriotti for these dates.

Personnel as May 31; add unknown guitarist (Hoshal Wright?).

Fillmore East, New York, NY; June 7, 8, 1968

Soul Searchin' Live performances

Killing Floor

Other titles unknown

A New York Times review of this performance describes it as Bloomfield’s “farewell appearance” with the band. Rolling Stone reported that Bloomfield played this last gig as a favor to Bill Graham and that "it cost him dearly" to get out of the Flag, presumably in advance money and legal fees owed Albert Grossman and other band-related expenses. According to John Kay of Steppenwolf, Bloomfield and the guitarist replacing him in the Flag performed together for this appearance (Steppenwolf shared the bill). Hoshal Wright was the Flag’s guitarist after Bloomfield left. Jimi Hendrix sat in with the Flag after the late show on June 8 but Bloomfield reportedly left the stage earlier and did not perform with him.

Personnel as June 8; omit Bloomfield.

Golden Bear, Huntington Beach, CA; June 14-16, 1968

Unknown titles Live performances

Personnel after June 8 probably didn’t include Bloomfield despite his name appearing with the Flag in advertisements.

MILES DAVIS praises Bloomfield’s “Over-Lovin’ You” from “A Long Time Comin’” in the June 27, 1968 Downbeat magazine Blindfold Test by Leonard Feather. In a Rolling Stone interview from December 13, 1969, Davis comments that when Bloomfield “plays for blacks, his shit comes out black,” and that if one “put [Bloomfield] with James Brown, he’d be a motherfucker.”

*PAUL BUTTERFIELD BLUES BAND/TEN YEARS AFTER

Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; July 5, 1968

Unknown titles Live performance

According to Christopher Hjort, Bill Graham asked Bloomfield and others to join the Butterfield and Alvin Lee bands as guests for this, the opening night of the new Fillmore West, formerly the Carousel Ballroom. It's likely that Michael did not appear.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD JAM BAND

Palace of Fine Arts Festival, San Francisco, CA; August 31, 1968

Unknown titles Live performance

Bloomfield’s group was an unbilled addition to this festival. He invited the Ace of Cups up to perform a few tunes and they laughingly referred to themselves as “the Bloomettes.” Steve Miller and Curley Cook may have also jammed with the band.

*MOTHER EARTH

San Francisco(?), CA; 1968

Mother Earth “Living With The Animals,” Mercury SR-61194

Bloomfield is listed on this release as “Makel Blumfeld.” According to bassist Bob Arthur, Bloomfield recorded “Mother Earth” with the band in the studio while lying on his back the entire time. Thanks to Frank Macias for this information.

*WAYNE TALBERT & THE MELTING POT

San Francisco(?), CA; 1968

Funky Ellis Farm “Dues to Pay,” Pulsar AR-10603

Talbert was part of the Mother Earth/Sir Douglas Quintet scene and issued three records as a leader. Bloomfield plays on this one title. Dr. John produced the recording. Thanks to Andrew Hawkey for this information.

MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Unknown venue, Watsonville, CA; Probably 1968

Unknown titles Live performance

A fan recalled seeing Bloomfield perform with an & Friends group in Watsonville around this time. He remembered that Michael played the entire show in bare feet.

Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA; September 26-28, 1968

Opening Speech “The Live Adventures of ...,” Columbia CS 9742

59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)

I Wonder Who

Her Holy Modal Highness

The Weight

Mary Ann

Together ’Til the End of Time

That’s All Right, Mama

Green Onions

Dear Mr. Fantasy

Don't Throw Your Love on Me So Strong

Finale – Refugee

Fat Grey Cloud “Super Session,” Columbia CK-64611

Untitled blues

Bloomfield was unable to complete this gig due to another severe case of insomnia, causing Kooper to get Elvin Bishop, Steve Miller and Carlos Santana as replacements. Paul Simon overdubbed the harmony part later in the studio on “59th Street Bridge Song.” Roosevelt Gook is a pseudonym for Al Kooper; Kooper overdubbed the piano parts later. “Grey Cloud” was Bloomfield’s nickname for Albert Grossman. "Untitled blues" is a rare outtake. Cover art for the album, according to Rolling Stone, was originally to be a picture of the group “jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge.” The two-record set was released in late February 1969.

*JAMES COTTON BLUES BAND

New York, NY; October 1968

The Coach’s Better Days “Cotton In Your Ears,” Verve FTS-3060

Back to St. Louis

With You on My Mind (LT, v)

Take Me by the Hand

Bloomfield produced this session and appears to play on the above titles. The blues “Tell Me Partner,” a Bloomfield composition recorded by Cotton here, was performed by Bloomfield and Al Kooper in New York on December 13 or 14.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Kleinhans Music Hall(?), Buffalo, NY; 1968

Unknown titles Live performance

This performance was reported to have taken place in 1968 by a fan.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER

Kooper, org, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; unknown b, d.

Boston Garden(?), Boston, MA; Winter(?) 1968

Unknown titles Live performance

Al Kooper recalled this show as being at the Boston Garden in late 1968, but evidence indicates that it was actually held at the Boston Arena on March 15, 1969.

Muscle Shoals, AL; Late November/early December 1968

Various titles “Mourning In The Morning,” Cotillion SD-9006

Bloomfield and Nick Gravenites wrote most of the material for Rush's album and produced it for Albert Grossman.

*ALBERT KING

King, g, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; others unknown.

The Kinetic Playground, Chicago, IL; 1968(?)

Unknown titles Live performance

Bloomfield sat in one night with Albert King at this popular Chicago club, according to its doorman, Phillip Webster. Michael kept playing alone when the band took its breaks and then he stayed onstage after King and his men had packed up. Michael then got Webster to drive him to a Southside club where he continued jamming for another two hours.

*CANNED HEAT

The Kinetic Playground, Chicago, IL; November 30, 1968

Unknown titles Live performance

Bloomfield, visiting Chicago in November 1968, sat in with Canned Heat one evening. Robb Baker reported in the Chicago Tribune that Michael’s interplay with bassist Taylor was amazing. In an interview in The Seed earlier in the year, Bloomfield said the thing he missed most about the Windy City was O’Connell’s, a restaurant on Bellevue Place.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD BAND

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Al Kooper, org, p, v; others unknown.

Cafe Au Go Go, New York, NY; November 26-December 1, 1968

Performance canceled

A promotion for the Cafe Au Go Go’s "Blues Bag" week listed the Mike Bloomfield Band with special guest Kooper as participants, but a blurb in Billboard magazine reported that they canceled do to “indisposition.” Other performers during the week included Danny Kalb, Richie Havens, Dave Van Ronk, the Ultimate Spinach, Big Joe Williams and the Butterfield Blues Band. Thanks to Bruno Ceriotti for some of this information.

Introduction of Johnny Winter

It’s My Own Fault*

59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)

Tell Me Partner

That’s All Right, Mama

Together ’Til the End of Time

Don’t Throw Your Love on Me So Strong

Season of the Witch

Bloomfield’s Introduction Bootleg CD

59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)

I'm Ready

Tell Me Partner

Together ’Til The End of Time

Green Onions

For Anyone You Meet

The Weight

That's All Right, Mama

Season of the Witch**

Bloomfield introduced guitarist Johnny Winter to the Fillmore audience – and ultimately to a lucrative Columbia recording contract – at one of these Fillmore performances. Michael had first met the albino blues artist in 1963 when Winter lived in Chicago for six months and performed for him at the Fickle Pickle. There were two sets each night, and many of the above tunes were repeated three or four times. Billboard reported that Butterfield guitarist Buzzy Feiten jammed with Kooper and Bloomfield during Friday's second set on "Season of the Witch."

*JANIS JOPLIN

Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA; December 18, 1968

Untitled Shuffle Blues Rehearsal session

Piece of My Heart

Other unknown titles(?)

Keyboardist Bill King described the session as taking place during Joplin’s rehearsals with her new band, the Kozmic Blues Band. Joplin’s manager, Albert Grossman, asked Bloomfield and Nick Gravenites to organize the band starting in December 1968. Joplin debuted the group at the Stax/Volt Yuletide Concert in Memphis on December 21, 1968 with Bloomfield present.

“Work Me Lord” and “Born in Chicago” were released on Japanese Sony in 2008. "Born" may the same as one of the versions below.

It Takes Time “Live at Bill Graham’s Fillmore West,” Columbia CS 9893

Oh, Mama

Love Got Me

Blues on the Westside (Telephone Blues)

One More Mile to Go (TM, v; JED, g)

It’s About Time

Carmelita Skiffle

If I Ever Get Lucky

Stronger Than Dirt

"Live ..." was released in October 1969. "Lucky" and "Dirt" were released on Japanese Sony in 2008. "Dirt" is a variation on the musical theme used for numerous '60s Ajax cleanser commercials. The product's motto was "Stronger than dirt."

Personnel similar to above.

Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; February 1, 1969

Work Me Lord

Killing My Love

Holy Moly

Baby’s Been Gone

It’s About Time

Young Girl (San Quentin Jail Bait)

Personnel as above.

Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; February 2, 1969

Born in Chicago “In San Francisco,” Bootleg CD

Blues on the Westside (Telephone Blues)

It’s About Time

Sweet Little Angel

Blues Jam

A second guitarist solos on “It’s About Time” for the February 1 and 2 shows. One source suggests it might be Terry Haggerty of the Sons of Champlin. On “Sweet Little Angel,” two guitarists in addition to Bloomfield seem to be present. On “Blues Jam,” none of the three guitarists sounds like Bloomfield. A harmonica is added on “Blues Jam." Snooky Flowers may be the vocalist on “Sweet Little Angel.” Even for a “jam,” which these Fillmore performances were advertised as, the February 2 show sounds chaotic and disorganized, and ends abruptly to the clear dismay of the audience.

Personnel probably as above, advertised as including Nick Gravenites and Mark Naftalin.

Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; February 6-9, 1969

Born in Chicago Live performances

Other unknown titles

Bruno Ceriotti reports that Bloomfield did not show up to perform on February 7. Recordings of these February performances reportedly come from tapes once owned by John Kahn.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & NICK GRAVENITES

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Gravenites, v, g(?); others unknown.

Avalon Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; February 17(?), 1969

Unknown titles Live performance

This performance was advertised as celebrating the Chinese New Year. The Sons of Champlin, Phoenix, the Ace of Cups and the Pitschell Players were also on the roster. Bruno Ceriotti notes that the show was a benefit for "Lenay, Inc." and could have happened any time between February 17-20.

According to Rene Aagaard, Bloomfield plays on this one title. Dr. John produced this, Talbert’s second recording. The album was released in August 1969.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Los Angeles(?), CA; Spring/summer(?) 1969

Unknown titles Soundtrack for “Medium Cool,” a film by Haskell Wexler

“Medium Cool” was released in late August 1969. Wexler was Bloomfield’s cousin. The film’s nightclub sequence features a tune by Frank Zappa and the Mothers behind unsynced images of another band called The Litter. Bloomfield, however, can be heard soloing briefly in the street scene prior to the protagonists’ encounter with the black militants.

THE GRATEFUL DEAD record “Dark Star,” an extended “psychedelic” jam, at the Fillmore West in February 1969. That same month, Miles Davis records “In a Silent Way,” his first release with an electric band. It features English guitarist John McLaughlin. Both pieces are extended "jams," similar to what Bloomfield had done with "East-West" several years earlier.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER

Kooper, org, p, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

The Rock Pile, Toronto, ON; March 14, 1969

Performance canceled

Skip Prokop’s new band, Lighthouse, was also on the roster for this show. They covered for the absent Kooper and Bloomfield.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER

Boston Arena, Boston, MA; March 15, 1969

Unknown titles Live performance

Bloomfield gave one of his characteristic opening speeches during this performance. It concerned a conversation he’d had with his cab driver, something about cabbies being robbed and killed in Boston. Ever sympathetic, Bloomfield urged the crowd to go easy on their cab drivers. Lighthouse also performed on this date. The concert, billed as the "Boston Pop Festival," also featured Hedge & Donna, Lighthouse, the Colwell-Winfield Blues Band and the Buddy Miles Express.

*SUPER SESSION JAM

The Ark, Boston, MA; March(?) 1969

Unknown titles Live performance

This one-night jam session was reported by a guitarist who was a member of the band that opened the show. The jam band was billed as a "Super Session group" even though they had nothing to do with the official Kooper/Bloomfield date. This jam may have taken place after the above-listed Boston Arena show. The Ark, a competitor to the Boston Tea Party, closed in September 1969.

Michael Bloomfield, g, p*, v; unknown p.

Probably Chess Studios, Chicago, IL; April 4, 1969

Blues #1 Studio recording

Blues #2 (Slow Blues #1)

Blues #3

Blues #4 (Shuffle Blues)

Blues #5 (Slow Blues #2)

I'm Gonna Love You (breaks down)

No Rest Blues (incomplete)

Young Girl Blues #1*/Conversation

Young Girl Blues #2*

Michael's Lament*

I'm Gonna Love You*

My Old Friends*

Nine Pound Steel*

Melancholy Baby*

Hard Train to Ride/Drown in My Own Tears*

This unusual session was engineered by Norman Dayron, who was employed as a producer/engineer by Chess Records at the time. The pianist on the first seven titles may be Jonathan Cramer, a Bloomfield friend who was married to Barry Goldberg's cousin. Michael seems to be sketching out tunes for his upcoming Columbia album, “It’s Not Killing Me," and does a version of “Michael’s Lament” which he’d composed for the album. That project would start in May. Micheal was probably in Chicago in preparation for the following sessions with Muddy Waters.

Someday Baby

Live the Life I Love

I Feel So Good

Civic Auditorium, Chicago, IL; April 24, 1969

Long Distance Call Live performance

Young Girl (San Quentin Jail Bait)

Losing Hand

Down on Broadway

Texas

Hoochie Coochie Man

Long Distance Call “Fathers and Sons,” Chess LPS-127

Baby, Please Don’t Go

Honey Bee

The Same Thing

Got My Mojo Workin,’ Parts 1 & 2

Other unknown titles

This concert was billed as the “Super Cosmic Joy-Scout Jamboree” and opened with the Ace of Cups followed by Nick Gravenites and Quicksilver Messenger Service (Gravenites produced the concert). Bloomfield is the vocalist on “Young Girl,” Butterfield sings "Losing Hand" and Buddy Miles is the singer on "Broadway" and "Texas." The unknown titles come from a second set which featured Cotton and Webb, a member at the time of The Flock. The musicians all donated their services for the concert to benefit the Wheaton-based Phoenix Fellowship. Ken Nordine acted as emcee. According to Marshall Chess, the idea to do an album with Muddy Waters, Paul Butterfield and Bloomfield came from Michael himself. The title, “Fathers and Sons,” was also Bloomfield’s idea. On the unissued tune “I’m Goin’ Home,” Waters is backed by gospel singers; one take features a solo by Bloomfield, the other has a solo by a tenor sax player. Thanks to Norman Dayron, the recording’s producer, for this information.

Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA; May 15, 16, 19, 20 and 27, 1969

If You See My Baby “It’s Not Killing Me,” Columbia CS-9883

For Anyone You Meet

Good Old Guy

Far Too Many Nights

It’s Not Killing Me

Next Time You See Me

Michael’s Lament

Why Must My Baby

The Ones I Loved Are Gone

Don’t Think About It, Baby

Goofers

Slow July Blues

Assholes

The End of the Record

This recording was Bloomfield’s first solo release. According to co-producer Michael Melford, it was mostly recorded in San Francisco against the wishes of Columbia. The company’s policy was to only record in its studios in New York, Nashville or Los Angeles, and the exception made for Bloomfield caused other Columbia artists, including Sly Stone, to stop by the sessions to see how he’d managed it. Columbia did insist that two of its union engineers be present to “turn the tape recorder on and off.” "Assholes" was Michael's complaint about music critics. It's unclear whether it and “The End ...” are separate titles or one complete tune. MB intended them to end the album but Columbia vetoed their inclusion for obvious reasons. Bloomfield was insecure about his vocal parts and redid all of them and his guitar solos in overdubbing sessions at Wally Heider’s San Francisco studios. in July The album was released in early September 1969 with little promotion and was universally panned by critics. "Slow July Blues" was issued on Japanese Sony in 2008. A corner of the record’s cover has the words “Bloomfield shucks,” a clear reference to the Ralph Gleason column about Michael that appeared the May 11, 1968 edition of Rolling Stone. In “The End ...” Michael sings about "good, sweet ol' Ralph, every musician's friend," another reference to renowned critic.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

No Room at the Inn, take 1

No Room at the Inn, take 2

No Room at the Inn, take 3*

No Room at the Inn, take 4

No Room at the Inn, take 5+

These titles appear to be takes for the back-up vocals on the gospel piece "No Room at the Inn," a tune recorded by the Staples Singers and Mahalia Jackson. It may have been intended for “It's Not Killing Me.”

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

KSAN, San Francisco, CA; 1969

Unknown titles Live performance

In a Guitar Player magazine interview, guitarist Phil Keaggy recalled opening for Bloomfield at KSAN gig sometime in 1969. Keaggy was playing with Glass Harp at the time. Bloomfield was asked to sit in with the band but declined because he was “not feeling well at the time.”

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Royce Auditorium, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; May 25, 1969

Unknown titles Live performance

Albert Collins, Pee Wee Crayton, Big Jay McNeely, Earl Hooker and Charlie Musselwhite were also on the roster for this show.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p; others unknown.

Exhibition Gardens, Vancouver, BC, CA; May 31, 1969

Unknown titles Live performance

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & NICK GRAVENITES

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; others unknown.

Berkeley Community Theatre, Berkeley, CA; June 14, 1969

Unknown titles Live performance

Southern Comfort was also on the roster for this performance, a benefit for the Alameda Youth Council.

New York, NY; June 16-26, 1969

Maybe

To Love Somebody

Work Me, Lord

Bloomfield and Nick Gravenites organized this session; it was produced by Gabriel Mekler. Bloomfield plays only on the above titles.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, g(?), v; others, if any, unknown.

Mills College, Oakland, CA; June 16-27(?), 1969

Seminar/workshop

An ambitious series of music workshops was organized by a group called Community of Musical Efforts (COME) as a pilot project for a proposed San Francisco College of Contemporary Music. Sponsored by the Portola Institute of Menlo Park, the workshops and seminars were given by Jerry Garcia, John Handy, Mickey Hart, Roland Kirk and many others. If Bloomfield’s lecture did occur, it was probably held sometime during the dates above.

Small movie theater(?), Hawthorne, CA; July 1969

Unknown titles Live performance

This performance was reported by a fan.

*BARRY GOLDBERG & FRIENDS

Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA; 1969

Sweet Home Chicago “... and Friends,” Record Man CR-5105

I Got to Love My Woman

Long Hard Journey (One More Mile)

Woke Up This Morning

Mess “A Da” Blues

Several of Barry Goldberg’s recordings, including this one, have been released under various titles on various labels, each with little or no documentation. Bloomfield is most certainly the guitarist on “Sweet Home Chicago” and “Long Hard Journey,” and not on “Mess ‘A Da’ Blues” or “I Got to Love My Woman” (a variation of Ray Charles’ “I Got a Woman”). Bob Greenspan confirms that these titles were actually recorded at the Shrine.

I Got to Find My Baby

Rocks Was My Pillow

Hitchhike

My Fault

*"THE ACOUSTIC FLAG"

Carmelita Avenue house, Mill Valley, CA; 1969

On the Rock Where Moses Stood Private recording

She Thinks I Still Care

Are You Lonely for Me, Baby

Mary Don’t You Weep

I’ll Change Your Flat Tire, Merl

Hello My Lover Wherever You Are

This tape was made in Bloomfield’s basement by filmmaker and photographer Danny Seymour. It has Michael and friends singing some classic tunes with much gusto and humor. Seymour, the son of celebrity photographer Maurice Seymour, later worked with Robert Frank on “Cocksucker Blues,” a film about the Rolling Stones. He died at sea under mysterious circumstances in 1972 or ’73. Seymour gave this session its humorous title. Thanks to Mark Naftalin for this listing.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & NICK GRAVENITES

Family Dog on the Great Highway, San Francisco, CA; August 15-17, 1969

Unknown titles Live performances

The poster for this show lists Bloomfield and Gravenites "with Southern Comfort." Southern Comfort was a band that consisted of musicians that Bloomfield had used in & Friends at various times, and he had gotten Columbia to sign them. They did not perform with Bloomfield for these shows, although the bands shared drummer Jones. Thanks to Bruno Ceriotti for this information.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Kezar Stadium, San Francisco, CA; August 23, 1969

Unknown titles Live performance

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Kinetic Playground, Chicago, IL; September 12, 13, 1969

Unknown titles Live performances

This date was billed as a “super blues jam session.”

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/NICK GRAVENITES

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; others unknown.

Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; September 19-21, 1969

Unknown titles Live performances

Gravenites discovered this neighborhood bar and thought it would be a good place to play – a club not unlike Big John’s back in Chicago. He arranged with owner Freddie Herrera to present music there, and soon Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite and eventually Jerry Garcia were regular performers in addition to Gravenites and Bloomfield.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Personnel probably as above.

Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; September 26, 27, 1969

Unknown titles Live performances

Thanks to Corry Arnold for these dates.

Personnel probably as above.

Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; October 1, 1969

Unknown titles Live performance

Personnel probably as above(?).

Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; October 3, 4, 1969

Unknown titles Live performances

*JAM SESSION

International Ampitheater, Chicago, IL; October 3, 4, 1969

Unknown titles Live performance

Author George Manno recalled that this jam session took place as part of a benefit concert for Operation Breadbasket. According to Manno, Bloomfield “danced around and played his ass off.” Downbeat magazine listed the weekend-long extravaganza at the International Ampitheater as the first "Black Minorities Business and Cultural Exposition." The magazine stated that the show featured B.B. King, James Brown, Les McCann, Cannonball Adderley, Aretha Franklin, Howlin' Wolf, Bobby Bland and others along with those listed above. The dates are certain, and if Bloomfield did appear in Chicago on the 4th, his Keystone shows must have been canceled.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/NICK GRAVENITES

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g: others unknown.

Performance canceled

The blog that reported this show – a benefit for the MidPeninsula Free University – is unsure whether Bloomfield and Gravenites actually appeared. Bruno Ceriotti confirms that the band did cancel its performance.

Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; October 5, 1969

Raise Your Hand Live performance

Bo Diddley

Other unknown titles

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Redwood Acres Fairgrounds, Eureka, CA; fall 1969?

Blind Love Live performance

Other unknown titles

Old Davis, a band that featured 15-year-old Neal Schon, was also on the roster for this show. The date is uncertain, but Schon was playing with that band at this time. Thanks to Dan Vineyard for this listing.

Los Angeles, Hollywood, CA; Chicago, IL; November/December 1969

Fireball Boogie! “Moogie Woogie,” Chess LPS-1545

Angel-Dust Boogie

Bloomfield probably does not play on the other titles from this session. He was billed as “Fast Fingers Finkelstein,” and was to perform “What’d I Say” in addition to the above titles. Norman Dayron, who produced this session, recalled that he and Bloomfield felt the recording’s concept, inspired by Columbia's success with "Switched On Bach," was so ludicrous that they decided mock it with overblown titles and performances. Mark Naftalin wrote the liner notes under the name Nafty Markham.

*JANIS JOPLIN/MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS(?)

Michael Bloomfield(?), g; Janis Joplin(?), v; unknown g, b, d.

San Francisco, CA; December 3, 1969

Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out Studio session

Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)

Don't Quit, Daddy

Get It While You Can

Had To Get Out of Texas

This so-called Bloomfield/Joplin studio performance is reported to have taken place on December 3 in San Francisco despite Joplin’s rigorous touring schedule that had her in Pittsburgh on November 28 and Atlanta on December 5. Some sources attribute these titles to the June 1969 “Kozmic Blues” sessions, though they sound like they come from rehearsals. Other sources question whether the vocalist is really Joplin, saying that the tunes are performed by a drag artist known as Pearl Heart (Joey Amoroso). The guitarist certainly does not sound like Bloomfield. “Had to Get Out of Texas,” often called a variation on the Electric Flag’s “Texas,” is actually an autobiographical blues improvised by Joplin/Heart and is completely unlike the Bloomfield/Miles tune. Thanks to Anthony Edman for some of this information.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & NICK GRAVENITES

Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; December 5, 6, 1969

Dyin' Flu* Live performances

The Israelites*

Other unknown titles

In December 1969, Rolling Stone described Keystone Corner as Bloomfield’s regular weekend hangout. The band's road manager, Phil Brown, told author Bill Keenom that this was the usual personnel for & Friends when they played the Keystone and the Fillmore at this time, and that Bloomfield liked to sing the two tunes listed. Al Miller, a friend of Bloomfield's from high school, played with the Keystone band for a period of 3 or 4 months around this time. Thanks to Corry Arnold for the above Keystone dates; he cautions, however, that Bloomfield’s appearance has not been confirmed for every show.

Personnel probably as above.

University of San Diego Gym, San Diego, CA; December 12, 1969

Unknown titles Live performances

Personnel probably as above.

Loma Prieta Ballroom, San Jose State College, San Jose, CA; December 13, 1969

Bloomfield probably does not play on all of these titles but is present on these (*).

.

1970-74

1970

BLOOMFIELD enters a difficult period and loses interest in playing for a period of 12 to 18 months beginning around 1970. He continues to perform, though only sporadically, alternately indulging in drugs and then trying to quit them. He later states that during this time he was interested only in a life of “stoned leisure.”

Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; January 23, 24, 1970

Unknown titles Live performances

Personal probably as above.

New Orleans House, Berkeley, CA; January 30, 1970

Unknown titles Live performance

Big Joe Williams was also on the bill for this show. Thanks to Bruno Ceriotti for this listing.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/B.B. KING

Michael Bloomfield, B.B. King, int; unknown interviewer.

Chicago, IL; January or February 1970

Interview Unknown show, WBBM-TV broadcast

Mitch Gawlik reported seeing this program one Saturday morning in the winter of 1970. He recalled that there was a general discussion of the blues, with B.B. crediting young white players like Bloomfield with enlarging his career. Mitch could not remember whether the two guitarists performed together. This might have occurred during King's 1970 stint at Mr. Kelly's in Chicago, a period when Michael's mother, Dorothy, visited B.B. in an effort to get him to help Bloomfield return to playing.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & NICK GRAVENITES

Personnel probably as January 23.

Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; February 6, 7, 1970

Unknown titles Live performances

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Personnel probably as January 23.

Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA; February 11, 1970

Unknown titles Live performance

The February 11 roster also included the Paul Butterfield, Elvin Bishop and Charlie Musselwhite bands and was a memorial concert for Magic Sam.

Santa Rosa(?) High School auditorium, Santa Rosa, CA; 1970(?)

Unknown titles Live performance

Al Miller recalled this show in a conversation with Bill Keenom. The name of the high school and date are uncertain, but Miller described it as a “big concert.”

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Personnel probably similar to January 23.

Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; February 21, 1970

Unknown titles Live performance

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; unknown b, d.

Eagles Auditorium, Seattle, WA; February 27, 1970

Wine Bootleg CD

Other unknown titles

This title, an apparent encore, is the only one from this date that has been found.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & NICK GRAVENITES

Personnel probably similar to January 23.

Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; February 28, 1970

Unknown titles Live performance

*BRENDA PATTERSON

Brenda Patterson, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Unknown venues, San Francisco, CA; 1970(?)

Unknown titles Live performances

Patterson was a soulful white singer who came to San Francisco to record for Columbia, probably in 1970. According to producer Larry Cohn, Bloomfield loved her singing and, while she was in the city recording, he played in her back-up band during a number of live performances in small local clubs.

Bloomfield also led a guitar workshop during this festival,. Merle Travis was the other workshop leader.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Unknown venue, Ventura, CA; 1970(?)

Unknown titles Live performance

Personnel as above.

University of Texas, Austin, TX; 1970(?)

Unknown titles Live performance

These two gigs were described to author Bill Keenom by road manager Phil Brown as occurring sometime in 1970. According to Brown, Albert Grossman convinced Bloomfield to call the band the Electric Flag in order to get more money for the shows. The Austin performance was late due to Bloomfield missing his flight and the band’s connecting flight being canceled. Skip Prokop’s band (presumably Lighthouse) opened for them and played for several hours while & Friends struggled to get to Austin.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

"The Spot Shop" studio, Los Angeles(?), CA; Summer 1970(?)

Radio ad 1

Radio ad 2

These ads were recorded under the direction of Phil Brown and Chicago musician and commercial producer, Guy Guilbert, for Country Club Malt Liquor, sometime in 1970. Guilbert recalled, "We pre-recorded all the tracks but [Michael]. He came in, listened to the tracks once, laid his guitar against the amp and created a howling feedback, yelled to start the tape and blistered a guitar passage on a spare track – in one take!" These spots were previously attributed to the Electric Flag, but though the sound is very similar the group is the Keystone Korners & Friends band.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Los Angeles, CA(?); 1970

Film appearance “Bongo Wolf’s Revenge,” a film by Tom Baker

Gerogia Swing

People Are Strange

Bloomfield is listed along with the Doors and country singer Jim Ford as contributing “original music” to this odd production. The plot concerns “vampires and the LA rock scene.” Wolf was an eccentric character and friend of actor Tom Baker’s who lived in the Los Angeles area. The film follows him around as he visits friends and attends a meeting of a vampire fan club. Baker was a member of the Warhol Factory in the mid-’60s and a close friend of Jim Morrison’s. The film was edited by then-film student David Naftalin, Mark Naftalin's brother. Bloomfield’s appearance, in which he is listed as “playing himself,” may have come about through his Dennis Hopper/Jack Nicholson/Peter Fonda connection. In early 1971, “Bongo” was shown in Australia and London, and appeared on German television; it may have also been seen at film festivals in the United States. It did have a limited screening in Hollywood at the Cinematheque Theater in September 1971. The two tunes listed are cited by the IMDB as Bloomfield's contribution to the soundtrack.

Unknown titles Live performances

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & THE MARIN MUSIC BAND

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Family Dog on the Great Highway, San Francisco, CA; June 17, 1970

Unknown titles Live performance

This was a benefit for the Porcupine Family Inc. drug treatment program. Also included on the bill were Charlie Musselwhite and Sandy Bull.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Civic Auditorium, Honolulu, HI; June 19-20, 1970

Unknown titles Live performance

Billboard reported that Bloomfield was added to this show that also had John Lee Hooker, Elvin Bishop and Boz Scaggs on the bill.

Personnel probably as above.

Brown’s Hall, Mill Valley, CA; July 5, 1970

Unknown titles Live performance

JIMI HENDRIX dies in his sleep on September 18, 1970, in London from an alcohol and drug overdose. On October 4, 1970, while recording her next album, "Pearl," Janis Joplin dies in Los Angeles from a heroin overdose.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Unknown titles Live performance

Photographer Wayne Salvatore took photos of & Friends at this gig which he recalled as having taken place sometime in 1970 or ’71.The fact that the band is wearing long sleeves and sweaters suggests their performance took place in the winter.

Ash Grove, Los Angeles, CA; December 31, 1970

Unknown titles Live performance

*JIM MURRAY

John Cipollina’s home and Mickey Hart’s ranch, Mill Valley, CA; December 1970-January 1971

She’s So Fine United Artists, unreleased

Please Woman

Please Woman, alt. take

Sweet Lady

It's Alright Girl

It's Alright Girl, alt. take

Only Time Knows Who

Only Time Knows Who, alt. take

Love You Woman

Untitled

Murray was a former member of Quicksilver Messenger Service.

1971

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, g, v.

Probably Reed Street, Mill Valley, CA; Early 1970s(?)

A Tramp on the Street Private recording

Please Release Me

Dream, When You're Feeling Blue

That's Why I'm Goin' to Memphis

Tenderly

Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v.

Location, date as above

If You Could Find It in Your Heart, take 1

If You Could Find It in Your Heart, take 2

I Want to Make Things Easier for You

Last Night I Cried Myself Awake

Hello, Darlin’

We Had a Quarrel

I Know the Flowers Will Bloom Eternally

Michael Bloomfield, p, v.

Location, date as above

Just a Girl I Used Know

I Try to Live by the Good Book (incomplete)

Down in the Valley

Let's Go Get Stoned (incomplete)

Drown in My Own Tears

You Talk About Your Woman

These recordings are carefully made overdubs, probably done in MB's Reed St. home in Mill Valley. Toby Byron has said that Michael occasionally recorded in his bedroom where he had a piano. “A Tramp on the Street” is a variation on the Hank Williams tune; "Memphis" is a Tom T. Hall tune. The titles where unknown are taken from the lyrics.

Los Angeles, CA; January/February 1971

Saga of the Blue Beaver “Gandharva,” Warner Bros. WS-1909

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Swing Auditorium, San Bernadino, CA; February 19, 1971

I Once Was Blind “At the Swing with ...,” Bootleg CD

Po’ Kelly Blues

Statesboro Blues

One Way Out

You Won’t See Me

She’s Mine

Come Back Baby, Let’s Try It Over

Driftin’ & Driftin’

Various sources also give February 1969 and March 24, 26 or 27, 1971 as the date for this show, but Toby Byron reports that this date is correct. A version of “Wine” is often is included on the above CD but actually comes from a performance in Seattle from February 27, 1970. Stallings, Wilmeth and Jones were part of the band Southern Comfort.

Wally Heider Studios, San Francisco, CA; March 1971

Sidewalk Stanley “Brand New,” Fantasy 8414

Proud Mary

Hitch Hike on the Possum Trot Line

Since I Fell for You

Though originally scheduled for Fantasy’s new Berkeley studios, the sessions for “Brand New” took place over three days at Heider’s facility. According to Down Beat magazine, Bloomfield rehearsed with the Herd one evening prior to the sessions at the Hotel Claremont in Berkeley where Herman was performing. Thanks to Peggy McVickar for this information.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Keystone Korner, San Francisco, CA; March 12, 13, 1971

Unknown titles Live performance

The April 10 edition of Billboard magazine reported that Bloomfield had “recorded a live album at Keystone Korner.” There is no evidence, however, that Bloomfield ever recorded there. The same issue of the magazine further stated that he was “also writing a book of ten short stories for Grove Press.”

Swing Auditorium, San Bernadino, CA; March 24 or 27, 1971

Unknown titles Live performance

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/CHICAGO SLIM

Long Beach Auditorium, Long Beach, CA; April 8, 1971

There Is Something on Your Mind (partial) Bootleg CD

The Creeper

Turn on Your Lovelight

Please, Please, Please

Lucille

Bloomfield & Friends played the opening set for this concert which had John Mayall with Harvey Mandel and Larry Taylor, formerly of Canned Heat, as the headliners. & Friends was joined during its set by Cotton who is featured on the above titles. Chicago Slim may provide back-up vocals on “Please." Slim's real name was Noel Schiff and he was an acquaintance of Bloomfield’s from his Chicago days. He recorded one album with Stu Ramsey for Capitol in 1970. As an interesting note, concert attendee Moses Mora recalls that Mayall's drummer, Paul Lagos, played their set entirely without sticks, using only his hands on his drums. He also remembers that Bloomfield introduced Slim as "Hollywood Fats."

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/CHICAGO SLIM

Fillmore West/Winterland, San Francisco, CA; April 29-May 2, 1971

Unknown titles Live performances

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p; others unknown.

Golden Bear, Huntington Beach, CA; May 14-16, 1971

Unknown titles Live performances

Naftalin’s name was mispelled as “Mike Naftalin” in advertisements for this show. Someone named “Anderson” was also included in the ads, but it is unclear whether he performed with Bloomfield and Naftalin. Thanks to Mark Skobac for this information.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, p, v.

Mill Valley, CA; May 17, 1971

Sunnyland Slim and

Otis Spann

Interview segments

These titles were recorded during an interview done in Bloomfield’s home by KPFA radio host Dan McClosky. Roy Ruby and Fred Glaser also joined in the conversation. The resulting program featured a recording of B.B. King calling Bloomfield up to jam during a performance at the Fillmore, probably in early 1971. Thanks to René Aagaard for this information.

Personnel, location as above but omit Woods, add Ralph Shuckett, p.

Nose Open “Taking Care of Business,” Capital SM 814

Georgia Swing “Taking Care of Business,” Capital SM 814

This album was released in December 1971.

*ELVIN BISHOP GROUP

Bishop, g, v; Michael Bloomfield, g; others unknown.

Avalon Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; 1971

Unknown titles Live performance

Bloomfield sat in with Bishop during this performance. A teenage guitar player was called up to jam as well. B.B. King may have been the show’s headliner. King and Bishop did perform on the same bill at a Selland Arena concert on May 28, 1971.

Bracci was an actress and sometime singer whom session producer Denny Bruce described as a “Janis Joplin-kind of blues shouter.”

*ANN-MARGRET

Record Plant, Los Angeles, CA; June 1971

Revival Recording session

Shine, My Friend

Obion Bottom Land

Ann-Margret heard tapes of Teda Bracci’s session and decided that she wanted to record as a singer as well. Denny Bruce also produced her recording date. Margret and Bloomfield had both attended New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL and so reminisced and got along well.

Personnel as above; omit Bob Jones, add Buddy Miles, d.

Pepperland, San Rafael, CA; September 24, 25, 1971

Unknown titles Live performances

*SYLVESTER

A&M studios, San Francisco, CA; Winter 1971/72

Superstar Demo recording

Other unknown titles

Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner produced this demo session for A&M with soul and blues singer Sylvester, using Bloomfield on guitar. They did many takes to "Superstar" with Bloomfield "never playing the same thing twice," according to Wenner. Thanks to author Bill Keenom for this information.

MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/PAUL BUTTERFIELD

Fenway Theater, Boston, MA; December 10, 11, 1971

Ball & Chain Live performances

Why Am I Treated So Bad?

Born in Chicago

Homemade Songs

What Am I Living For?

I've Got a Mind to Give Up Living

Work Song

Mary Ann

Shake Your Money Maker

Walking By Myself

This was the first of several Butterfield Blues Band reunions. Butterfield and Bloomfield share the vocals on “Why Am I Treated So Bad?” Bloomfield is the vocalist on “What Am I Living For? The first five titles come from the Friday show; the remaining titles are from the Saturday performance. Geoff Muldaur also sat in and sang one tune on Saturday.

San Francisco, Los Angeles, CA; February(?) 1972

Ooh, Ooh, Ooh “Melton, Levy & the Dey Bros.,” Columbia KC 31279

Closer

Be With the One

Newsboy

Taxpayer's Lament

Bloomfield produced the above session and plays on these titles only. The album was released in June 1972.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MIKE LIPSKIN

Mike Lipskin, p; Michael Bloomfield, g; Sam Shaffer, drums.

Dwindle Hall, University of California, Berkeley, CA; April 22, 1972

Honeysuckle Rose Live performance

Old-fashioned Love

Persian Rag

Other unknown titles

This was a program of traditional jazz tunes by Fats Waller and James P. Johnson. It was part of the University Extension’s “Classic Ragtime and Harlem Stride Piano” weekend. Scott Joplin’s “Treemonisha” was also performed, and Eubie Blake and Earl Hines played the following day.

Thanks to John Ivey for this date. He recalls that Bloomfield played "Linda Lou" on piano.

*SOPWITH CAMEL & FRIENDS

Wilfred Satty's studio, San Francicso, CA; 1972(?)

Unknown titles Live performance

Satty was an artist whose “psychedelic” collages were used as posters by the Fillmore and other San Francisco venues, and were published in underground periodicals. Beneath his Powell St. studio he had created a “2,300-square-foot environment” for performances by the Living Theater and others. One such happening included music by the Sopwith Camel with guests Bloomfield, Gravenites and Naftalin (Camel drummer Mayell had been in Bloomfield’s band The Group back in Chicago). Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen also performed. The happening was filmed by director Claude Otzenberger for French television as part of a documentary on California.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others, if any, unknown.

European venues(?); Summer 1972

Unknown titles Jam sessions(?)

According to Bonner Beuhler, Bloomfield was in Europe at this time with Jon Cramer. Whether they played any gigs is not known. Toby Byron recalls that Bloomfield did not have any scheduled performances but intended to spend some time hanging out with the Rolling Stones in the south of France. The Stones, however, were probably in the States at the time, preparing for their 1972 American tour.

Los Angeles, CA; Fall 1972

Swing With It “Steelyard Blues” soundtrack, Warner Bros. BS-2662

Brand New Family

Woman’s Love

Make the Headlines

Georgia Blues

My Bag

Common Ground

Being Different

I've Been Searching

Do I Care

Lonesome Star Blues

Here I Come (There She Goes)

If You Cared

Drive Again

The movie “Steelyard Blues” was released in February 1973. Most of the material that Gravenites and Bloomfield created for it was not used and appears only on the soundtrack album. Gravenites produced the sessions; Joe Boyd was the A&R man on the date. Unlike the film itself, the record received generally favorable reviews.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Los Angeles, CA; Fall 1972

Being Different

Being Different*

Make the Headlines (incomplete)

Make the Headlines

I Keep A-lookin'* (incomplete)

I Keep A-lookin'*

Capricorn Woman (incomplete)

Capricorn Woman

Common Ground (incomplete)

Cadillac(?) (instrumental)

These titles appear to be outtakes or demos from the Bloomfield/Gravenites soundtrack for "Steelyard Blues." Bloomfield is the vocalist here *; Gravenites is the vocalist on the album release. Some of the takes may actually be duplicates of earlier takes.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Bodega, Campbell, CA; November 9, 1972

Unknown titles Live performances

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/SUNNYLAND SLIM

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Sunnyland Slim, p, v; others unknown.

O.C. Inn, San Francisco(?), CO; November 11, 1972

Unknown titles Live performance

IN NOVEMBER of 1972, Bloomfield gives a seminar in music production at the New College of California, a one-year-old liberal arts college in Sausalito, CA. Norman Dayron, who is teaching recording techniques at the college, arranges for Bloomfield to lead several of his classes, giving him the title “Distinguished Visiting Lecturer.” Later Michael gives several lectures at Stanford University and College of Marin as well.

Keystone Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; November 24, 1972

Unknown titles Live performance

Long Branch Saloon, Berkeley, CA; December 20, 1972

Unknown titles Live performance

Over the next several months, probably until March 1973, Bloomfield played as many as a dozen Bay-area dates with Sunnyland Slim. Venues included Inn of the Beginning, Cotati; the Catalyst, Santa Cruz; the Bodega Club, Campbell; the Lion's Share, San Anselmo; and a club in Palo Alto (Sophie's?). The group occasionally included guitarists Luther Tucker or Mike Henderson. Thanks to Toby Byron for these listings.

San Francisco, CA; January 1973

Cha-Dooky-Doo “Triumvirate,” Columbia KC 32172

Last Night

I Yi Yi

Just to Be with You

Baby Let Me Kiss You

Sho’ ‘Bout to Drive Me Wild

It Hurts Me Too

Rock Me Baby

Ground Hog Blues

Pretty Thing

The Trip Playback AS51 ZSM 158374

“Triumvirate” was released in June 1973. The Raylettes were originally supposed to do back-up vocals. Rick Schlosser, the original drummer for the sessions, was replaced by Fred Staehle who was better at creating New Orleans-style rhythms. Thanks to Toby Byron for this information.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER/BUDDY MILES

Record Plant, Sausalito, CA; January(?) 1973

Unknown titles Recording sessions

According to Rolling Stone, Bloomfield, Kooper and Miles spent 15 hours in the studio recording tracks for a proposed “Super Session ’73” album. The idea was abandoned when the effort “turned up nothing particularly super.”

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/NICK GRAVENITES

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Nick Gravenites, v, g; others unknown.

The Village, San Francisco, CA; January 19, 1973

Unknown titles Live performance

For this performance, the band was called “Blue Gravy.” Bloomfield billed himself as “Count Talent.”

Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; February 23, 24, 1973

Mellow Down Easy Live performances

Born in Chicago

Don't You Lie to Me

East-West

Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; February 24, 1973

Mellow Down Easy Live performance

Just to Be with You

Got a Mind to Give Up Living

Look Over Yonders Wall

Feel So Good

Loan Me a Dime (BS, v)

Going Home Music

Other unknown titles

These performances were billed as a reunion of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. “Going Home Music” is a duet between Bloomfield and Naftalin. At least one of these two nights was recorded under the direction of Butterfield’s manager, Albert Grossman. Bloomfield played with & Friends to open the show, and the titles from their set come from the 24th. Butterfield also performed with his working band, Better Days, and Bishop played with his band, the Elvin Bishop Group.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, g(?), v.

KSAN, San Francisco, CA; March 3, 1973

Radio broadcast

Bloomfield was featured on a one-hour radio show that debuted on this date and aired at 9 a.m. He may have been a guest, or may have been the program's host.

Golden State Recorders, San Francisco, CA; April 18, other dates(?), 1973

Honky-Tonk Blues* “Casting Pearls,” Verve V6 8825

Betty & Dupree*+

La Ooh-Ooh-Ooh, La, La

Run for Cover

What Would I Do Without My Baby*

Mellow Mountain Wine

Let Me Down Easy*+

Jimmy’s Blues

Young Girl’s Blues (Janis Blues)*+

Letting Go Ain’t Easy*+

Bye, Bye, I’m Goin’

Bells Are Gonna Ring

I’ve Had It*

Bedroom Blues

Your Hollywood Blues*++

Go Home Blues*++

Bloomfield and Leo Kulka, owner of Golden State, organized the ad-hoc series of recording sessions for this album to fill time originally allotted to Columbia Records for a Bloomfield record date. Those Columbia recording sessions ended abruptly when Bloomfield and Kulka rearranged the microphones that the record company's engineers had set up for the date. After Columbia bailed on the project, the two called everyone they could think of in Mill Valley to come in and record. Kulka got a friend at MGM to release the results, just weeks before MGM (and Verve) went out of business. As a result, the album received no promotion and was almost immediately deleted from the catalog.

Fox Theater, San Jose, CA; April 20, 1973

Unknown titles Live performance

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & MARK NAFTALIN

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, p, v.

KSAN FM broadcast, Record Plant, Sausalito, CA; April 22, 1973

Introduction “The Easter Sunday Guitar-Piano Duets” (Bootleg CD)

Better Stop Drinkin’ that Wine, Sonny Boy

(I Want You to) Love Me, Woman

Wintertime Blues

Spot Break

I’m Blue, Really Blue

TV Hymn

Minor Jam

I Will Always Love You

At the Cross

“Minor Jam” is announced as “I Wonder Why.” The program’s host was Tom Donahue; it comes from a series of live broadcasts that featured Ruben & the Jets, Jerry Garcia’s Old and In the Way, Van Morrison and Jesse Colin Young. According to Mark Naftalin, he and Bloomfield recorded extensively in duet and with various groups for Columbia in the early ‘70s. That material has unfortunately never been released. See 1974 for one listing.

Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz, CA; 1973

Unknown titles Live performance

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, g, mand, v; unk. p, b, d*; others if any unknown.

Unknown studio, San Francisco, CA; 1973(?)

They Don't Make Jews Like Jesus Anymore Demo recording

That's Why Love Is Blind

I'm Sinking No Matter How Hard I Try

Make a Way for Us

The Start of the End

Soaping Miss Dolly Down

Do It with Jerry Lee*

They Don't Make Jews Like Jesus Anymore, alt. take*

These original C&W-style tunes may have been recorded by Bloomfield in an effort to interest other artists in singing and recording them. The recording location and date are unknown, but they were probably done in San Francisco or Mill Valley in the early ’70s.

PNC (Pine) Gardens, Vancouver, BC; May 31, 1973

God's Song (That’s Why I Love Mankind) Live performance

Wolverton Mountain

Other unknown titles

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; others unknown.

Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL; June 1, 1973

I Yi Yi Live performance

God's Song (That’s Why I Love Mankind)

Mary Ann

Other unknown titles

This date, Bloomfield’s first real gig in Chicago in nearly four years, included three other bands in addition to & Friends. A review in the Chicago Tribune said that the band was “nearly blown off the stage” by Corky Siegel’s group, and that Bloomfield “did not seem to interested in dazzling the crowd ... with his famous guitar skills.”

Thanks to guitarist and author Dann Glenn for this listing.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Under the Sun Festival, Warner Park, Madison, WI; July 1, 1973

Unknown titles Live performance

A newspaper review of this eight-hour outdoor festival said that Bloomfield had “specifically requested” that certain Madison-area musicians join & Friends for a jam. The ad-hoc group reportedly rehearsed for the show the night before.

Royce Auditorium, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; Aired August 3, 1973

Interview “In Concert,” TV show

Intro/Cha-Dooky-Doo

The Band Kept Playing*

I Yi Yi

This appearance was probably recorded earlier in the year. The show may have been “Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert,” but it was billed in the New York Times TV listings as above.

Personnel same or similar to above.

Paramount Northwest Theater, Salem, OR; August 11, 1973

Unknown titles Live performance

BOB DYLAN drops in on Bloomfield at his home in early August 1973 and the two play tunes from Dylan’s upcoming recording session. Despite a lengthy and affable visit, he decides against using Bloomfield for the recording that results in “Blood on the Tracks.” Bloomfield later cites Dylan’s odd D-tuning and rapid run-through of the tunes for preventing him from picking up their unusual changes.

Personnel same or similar to September 7.

Bangor Auditorium, Bangor, ME; September 22, 1973

Unknown titles Live performance

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN BAND

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds; others unknown.

Orphanage, San Francisco, CA; September 25, 26, 1973

Unknown titles Live performances

Personnel probably as September 25.

Arlington Park Race Track, Arlington Heights, IL; September 29, 1973

Unknown titles Live performance

This evening show was part of a weekend of free concerts sponsored as a promotional sound equipment expo “Sound Experience” by Pacific Stereo. Also performing that evening was Paul Butterfield’s Better Days.

Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; October 2, 1973

Unknown titles Live performance

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN

Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA; October 6, 1973

Unknown titles Live performance

Prof. A. Peter Castro, a fan who attended this gig, recalled that it was part of a another weekend of free concerts sponsored by Pacific Stereo as part of their “Sound Experience” expo. Though newspaper ads listed El Chicano and Quicksilver in addition to & Friends for the Saturday night show, Castro recalled that Jerry Garcia & Merle Saunders, Hot Tuna, Charles Lloyd and several lesser known acts performed. Bloomfield came on late in the show and played longer than most, apparently at the request of the producers. The band would huddle for a few seconds, and then Michael would say, “Well, here's one more.” Eventually Bloomfield announced that the entire show was over, shocking the audience as several more groups were supposed to perform. It turned out that Pacific Stereo had distributed more tickets than the capacity of the Cow Palace, and those who couldn't get in had rioted, overturning a police car and causing other damage.

Personnel probably as above.

Keystone Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; October 13, 1973

Unknown titles Live performance

Personnel probably as above.

Town & Country Lodge, Ben Lomand, CA; October 19, 20, 1973

Unknown titles Live performances

*MIKE BLOOMFIELD AND BAND

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown, probably as above.

Fieldhouse, University of Iowa(?), Iowa City, Iowa; October 20, 1973

Unknown titles Live performance

This concert was headlined by the Jerry Garcia/Merl Saunders Band and was promoted as being at the “U. of I. Fieldhouse.” Whether that was the school above, or the University of Illinois or some other institution is unclear. The date also conflicts with the Town & Country gig, so it is uncertain whether it or the Ben Lomand appearance actually happened.

The Marshall Tucker Band also performed at this show.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

My Father’s Place, Roslyn, NY; November(?)1973

Mary Ann Live performance

Who’s Loving You Tonight?

Further On Up the Road

Drowning in My Own Tears

I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight*

Baby Let Me Kiss You/Sissy Strut

Sweet Little Angel/Jelly Jelly

Working Man Blues

The singer on “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” is listed as Kathy MacDonald by most sources, but it is actually Lotti Golden. She sounds very similar to the singer on the December 13, 1973, & Friends performance, but that singer is introduced there as “Dee Dee Sharp.”

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN

Tulagis, Boulder, CO; November 16, 17, 1973

Texas Live performances

Unknown titles

Comedian Steve Martin was the opening act for this show. John Ivey recalled that Bloomfield sat in the audience during Martin’s show, roaring with laughter. Michael later gave the audience a choice between two Electric Flag songs, “Killing Floor” or “Texas.” The latter tune got the nod. John recalls that on November 17, an unknown singer/guitarist, whom Michael introduced as a "guy he went to prep school with," played an opening set and sat in with Bloomfield for one tune. That singer was probably Bloomfield's high school friend Bob Greenspan.

Unknown titles Live performance

Hot Tuna was the headliner for this show. Albert King was also appeared.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD & FRIENDS

Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; December 6, 7, 1973

Unknown titles Live performances

The Paul Butterfield and Elvin Bishop bands were also on the roster for this performance. Prof. A. Peter Castro recalls that on one of these nights Bloomfield, Bishop and Butterfield jammed together, and included Nick Gravenites on a song or two. Thanks to Toby Byron for these listings.

Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA; December 13, 1973

Introduction/Linda Lou Live performance

Who's Lovin' You Tonight?

Don't You Lie to Me

Chil’en, Chil’en, Chil’en

Oh, Darling

Glamour Girl

Just Want to Walk with You*

I'll Be Your Baby Tonight*

Just Like a Woman*

Evil Gal Blues*

Drivin' Wheel

If You Love the Blues

Bloomfield plays a set and then invites others up to jam. Sharp (possibly Lotti Golden) sings these titles (*) while Cramer performs “Drivin’ Wheel” and Henderson and Summer take over on the final title.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD BAND

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Merced County Fair Exhibit Hall, Merced, CA; December 22, 1973

Unknown titles Live performances

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/NICK GRAVENITES

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Gravenites, v, g(?).

Savoy, San Francisco, CA; December 26, 27, 1973

Unknown titles Live performances

Bloomfield and Gravenites played an acoustic blues set for the grand opening of Savoy, a new rock nightclub featuring “camp ’30s decor.” Country Joe headlined the shows.

Western Washington State College, Bellingham, WA; January 18, 1974

Linda Lu** Private recording

Sweet Little Angel*

Hard Bargain**

Shadows Told Me All*

Never Be Lonely*

I'll Always Feel the Same+

All the Love I Want**

You Can't Judge a Book*

So Fine+

Drown in My Own Tears*

Mary Ann**

Beautiful Mountain+

Stormy Monday* (partial)

The title for “Hard Bargain”was suggested by the lyrics. “So Fine” was first done by Bloomfield in 1966 with the Butterfield band with vocal by Jerome Arnold. The source for this recording was marked “January 12,” so it may actually have come from the Queen Elizabeth Theater show a week earlier.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds.

Albert S. Goode Auditorium, Bakersfield, CA; January 26, 1974(?)

Unknown titles Live performance

Personnel as January 26.

Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, CA; February 1, 2, 1974

Unknown titles Live performances

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; others unknown.

Keystone Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; March 8, 1974

Unknown titles Live performance

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds.

Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz, CA; March 9, 1974

Unknown titles Live performance

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/AL KOOPER/ALVIN LEE

Kooper, kybds, g, v; Michael Bloomfield, g, p, v; Alvin Lee, g.

New York, NY; April(?) 1974

Interview “Speakeasy,” TV show hosted by Chip Monck

Lawdy Miss Clawdy

Untitled Slow Blues

Uber den Wellen

Alvin Lee of Ten Years After also appeared on this show and sat in with Bloomfield and Kooper. The three all played each other’s instruments and then Michael demonstrated his fire-eating routine. The show aired nationwide on on August 3 and on different dates through November 1974 and was probably recorded in April when Michael appeared at the Bottom Line.

Bottom Line, New York, NY; March 31, April 1, 1974

Don’t You Lie To Me “More Live Adventures,” Better Days 002 (bootleg)

Linda Lou

Sweet Little Angel

Unchain My Heart

Inside Information

Shadows Told Me All

Glamour Girl

Heartbreak/Goin' to Kansas City

Got to Use My Imagination

Bad Situation

Let Them Talk

I Smell Trouble

Lonely Song

If I Get Started All Over Again

Other unknown titles

This bootleg comes from a WNYU broadcast. Kooper and Goldberg were featured on March 31. Goldberg is the vocalist on “Imagination.” John Hammond is listed as also having jammed with & Friends on March 31, but he must have appeared during an unrecorded set. The Bottom Line opened in March 1974.

Gusman Hall, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL; April 6, 1974

Introduction Bootleg CD

Mary Ann

Sweet Little Angel/Cocaine Blues

Linda Lou

Shadows Told Me All

Inside Information

Children, My Children

Lonely Song

I Smell Trouble

Dion Introduction Bootleg CD

The Wanderer

Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On

Why Must I Be a Teenager in Love

Big Mama’s Gone

Work Song

Blues Medley: Jelly Jelly/Stormy Monday

Lonely Song

Instrumental Finale (encore)

Mark Naftalin recalled that this performance was separate from Bloomfield’s Electric Flag recording sessions in Miami around this time. Dion, backed by Bloomfield’s band, was the opening act for the April 5 and 6 shows.

Personnel as April 6; omit DiMucci; add Mike Silverman, g.

Unknown titles Live performance

Jesse Colin Young was the headliner for this concert of two shows. Audience member Corry Arnold recalled that Silverman was called up to jam with & Friends while Bloomfield switched to organ.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD/MARK NAFTALIN

Michael Bloomfield, g, v; Mark Naftalin, kybds.

Town & Country Lodge(?), Ben Lomond, CA; April 19, 20, 1974(?)

Unknown titles Live performances

Personnel as above.

Columbia Studios, San Francisco, CA; 1974

Jewish Song Columbia recording session

Other unknown titles

This was one of a number of sessions that Bloomfield and Naftalin recorded for Columbia in the early- to mid-’70s. Naftalin described “Jewish Song” as “really experimental,” akin to those portions of “East-West” that Bill Graham described as like “Bar Mitzvah music.”

*THE ELECTRIC FLAG

Marin Recorders, Marin County, CA; May 17, 1974

Unknown titles Rehearsal

Toby Byron recalled that the Electric Flag was rehearsing for its upcoming Miami recording sessions for Atlantic Records on the date when there was a deadly shoot-out with members of the Symbionese Liberation Army in Los Angeles. Producer Tom Dowd directed the rehearsals.

Criteria Studios, Miami, FL; June or July(?) 1974

Sweet Soul Music “The Band Kept Playing,” Atlantic SD-18112

Every Now and Then

Sudden Changes

Earthquake Country

Doctor, Oh Doctor (Massive Infusion)

Lonely Song

Make Your Move

Inside Information

Talkin’ Won’t Get It

The Band Kept Playing

I Was Robbed Last Night “The Electric Flag Live,” Bootleg CD

It’s Not the Spotlight

I Found Out*

Never Be Lonely Again*

Losing Game

The reconstituted Flag's Atlantic album was released in late November 1974. A greatest hits recording, entitled "Old Glory," was also released that month by Columbia. In January 1973, it was reported in a Hayward, CA newspaper column that Buddy Miles, Bloomfield and “other members of the Electric Flag” were getting together at the just-opened Record Plant studios in Sausalito “to see what happens.” Though these were actually sessions with Al Kooper, the seeds for a Flag reunion may have been planted then. There was some doubt as to whether the band would be called the Electric Flag, as Albert Grossman was given ownership of the name as part of the settlement of funds owed when the original Flag broke up in 1968. Recording sessions were in Miami at producer Jerry Wexler’s request and took place over three weeks. Nearly 20 tunes were ultimately recorded. Bloomfield does not play on these titles*.

Columbia Studios, San Francisco, CA; July 10, 1974

Prisoner Song

Tomorrow Night

Try It Before You Buy It

Personnel probably as above.

Columbia Studios, San Francisco, CA; July 11, 1974

TV Hymn

Lord Take Me Fast

Personnel probably as above.

Columbia Studios, San Francisco, CA; July 12, 1974

Lights Out

Oh What a Price

Baby Come On

The above titles were recorded for Bloomfield's second solo Columbia LP, "Try It Before You Buy It." That album was not released by the label at the time, but selections were later included in a Columbia Special Products limited release, possibly in 1980. Several of these songs were also released on "Bloomfield: A Retrospective" in 1983. Thanks to Bruce Dickinson for this information.

WTTW Studios, Chicago, IL; July 18, 1974

Blow Wind Blow “Blues Summit in Chicago,” PBS Soundstage show

Five Long Years (excerpt), conversation

Long Distance Call

Messin’ With the Kid

Stop Breakin’ Down

I‘m a Man

Wang Dang Doodle

Walkin’ Through the Park

Hoochie Coochie Man

Sugar Never Was So Sweet

I’ve Got My Mojo Workin’

Down By the River

This first national "Soundstage" show was organized by producer Ken Ehrlich as a tribute to Muddy Waters and aired over PBS affiliates on October 12(?), November 10 and December 3, 1974. The various combinations of musicians who performed during the course of the show – including Muddy's working band – were largely directed by Bloomfield, who played with each group throughout the program. Bloomfield, Winter, Miles, Dr. John, Wells and Gravenites were each paid $500 to appear. "Down By the River," a feature for Buddy Miles, was cut from the final edit of the show.

*THE ELECTRIC FLAG

Ozark Music Festival, Sedalia, MO; July 19, 1974

Earthquake Country Live performance

Doctor Oh Doctor (Massive Infusion)

Other unknown titles

A newspaper account and photos indicate that the Flag did perform at this festival – it was their first public gig after reforming. The Flag was one of the first acts to perform, appearing late Friday afternoon. NBC may have filmed all the performances for airing on the Midnight Special, though this is unconfirmed. The program’s frequent host, Wolfman Jack, acted as the festival’s MC. Because a much larger crowd attended the event than was anticipated by the promoters and much damage was done to the fairgrounds and surrounding properties, Sedalia authorities and the state eventually indicted the producers. NBC’s films were confiscated by the court as a result of the legal action. A 12-hour radio series created from the festival was advertised in the November 9, 1974, issue of Billboard, but it is not known if it was ever aired. The Flag’s set, however, was recorded.

This title was recorded for Bloomfield's unreleased second solo Columbia LP, "Try It Before You Buy It."

*THE ELECTRIC FLAG

San Jose Festival, Spartan Stadium, San Jose, CA; July 27, 1974

Unknown titles Live performance

THE IRS goes after Bloomfield, probably in the summer of 1974, for non-payment of taxes from for 1968-72. He is forced to seek financial assistance from his father, Harold Bloomfield, while Susan Smith works to straighten out the mess. His need for quick cash probably explains why Michael agreed to tour with the reconstituted Electric Flag.

Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA; Late summer 1974

Unknown titles Live performance

A photo of Bloomfield from the Stanford set was used as a promotional picture for Atlantic Records to hype the reconstituted Flag’s release on that label.

Personnel as August 9.

Fans Stadium, Decatur, IL; August 25, 1974

Unknown titles Live performance

Personnel as August 24.

Nassau Coliseum, Nassau, Long Island, NY; August 30, 1974

Unknown titles Live performance

Allen Bloomfield recalled seeing the Flag at this Nassau Coliseum show. They opened for the Band.

Personnel as August 24.

Cape Cod Coliseum, Cape Cod, MA; August(?) 1974

Unknown titles Live performance

A fan reported attending this show which also included James Cotton and John Lee Hooker.

Personnel as August 24.

Pine Knob Theatre, Clarkston, MI; September 1, 1974

Unknown titles Live performance

Personnel as August 24.

Bottom Line, New York, NY; September 4-7, 1974

Unknown titles Live performances

Guitarist Leslie West attended one of these performances and afterwards he and Bloomfield jammed at West’s sister’s club on Long Island. Buddy Miles was given a party on his 27th birthday (September 5) by the management of the Bottom Line. Richard Newell (King Biscuit Boy) opened the Bottom Line shows.

Personnel as August 24.

Convocation Hall, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON; September 14(?), 1974

Unknown titles Live performances

Billboard reported that the Flag played this show (again with King Biscuit Boy) “on Saturday” following their Bottom Line gig.

Unknown titles Live performances

*ELECTRIC FLAG

Los Angeles, CA; Aired November 1, 1974

As I Woke Up This Morning “Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert,” TV show

What in the World Has Come Over You

Love Affair

The Band Kept Playing

This appearance was probably recorded in October 1974. It was also listed simply as “Rock Concert” and aired on this date in Chicago and on various dates nationally through May 1975. The titles are taken from an video listing for this performance and may not be correct.

“Orphan’s Blues” was released on “Between the Hard Place and the Ground,” Takoma 7070. “Blues Medley” was released in edited form on “At the Old Waldorf,” Columbia CK 65866.

*MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD

The Cave, Vancouver, BC, Canada; November 12-16, 1974

Unknown titles Live performance

According to Mark Naftalin, Bloomfield left this gig after one night, leaving his guitars and equipment behind. Audience member Murray Sanders confirms that Michael was in fact a no-show on the second night of this gig. Michael’s guitar was later sold by the club's owner, Stan Grozina, in an effort to recoup his losses. Michael wanted to see the November broadcast of the Muddy Waters PBS special he had taped that summer, and, as it was not airing in Vancouver, he simply went back to San Francisco. His Gibson Les Paul Sunburst and blue Fender Telecaster were both lost as a result. Local newspaper stories confirm this, and thanks to John Picard for additional information.

Albert King and Hot Tuna also performed at this show. Thanks to Toby Byron for this listing.

*THE ELECTRIC FLAG

King’s Castle, Lake Tahoe, CA; December 31, 1974

Unknown titles Live performance

A syndicated columnist reported in December 1974 that Bloomfield, “ace guitarist with the reactivated Electric Flag, is playing with the idea of opening a chain of massage parlors.” These would cater exclusively to women, he goes on to say.